Public Spaces

BELLINGHAM, Wash- The Markets LLC plans to install a new The Markets location at the former Cost Cutter site in Lakeway Center by June 2011. The Lakeway Cost Cutter, which was owned by The Markets, closed with a liquidation sale in early December, letting go of more than 25 employees.

Sue Cole, spokesperson for The Markets, said more than half of the employees were let go, leaving less than 20 who were moved to other stores.

Although June-uary has been colder and wetter than we would prefer and as we drift ever closer to July, the clouds have created some amazing sunsets for us to enjoy. While they don't keep us any warmer, they do remind us of one of the reasons we call this beautiful place home.

Lewis Park continues to transform into a Natural Area. Thanks to the volunteers from Seattle Pacific University, Jefferson Park Community Center and Temple Beth Am, invasive plants have been removed and replaced with native shrubs, groundcover and trees.

The Lewis Park Steering Committee was awarded, a Department of Neighborhoods Small and Simple Neighborhood Matching Grant to hire a geotechnical firm to do an analysis of the steep slope areas in Lewis Park. Terra Associates, Inc. conducted a visual site reconnaissance, on-site exploration, and review of all available geologic documentation. Parks and Recreation reviewed the report and will incorporate the results in restoration plans for Lewis Park.

The Neighborhood Matching Grant also paid for 1,400 work hours from Earthcorps and the King County Corrections Work Program.

Volunteers continue to restore the more level areas of Lewis Park each Sunday through November. Gloves, tools, water and light snacks are provided and volunteers can participate any time between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.